On the last days of his life we met the charismatic Elder Simeon (on Mt. Athos), who had been under obedience to Father Savvas prior to that well-known elder’s repose. Father Simeon told us many things about this virtuous and discerning man and also advised us: “Be afraid of sinning, not of the Devil, for he has no power.”

Google is offering software that can track you via your cellphone.

Why would a sane and free person want to live under 24 hour surveillance? I understand why Google would want to do this, information is power and money, but it astounds me that people would voluntarily sign up to be tracked like animals. What kind of fools are we becoming?

8 below tonight but heading for 40 in a couple of days. I’m feeling better and learning again about how to take better care of myself. Walking 3-5 miles 3 times per week, eating a lot less in smaller meals, and trying to let the important things matter and everything else fade away; it’s all part of the package.

I’ve got a ways to go but it’s a start.

Was to see the Bellagio Hotel fountains and this song…

on abortion and his change of conscience.

I was watching a TV show about the history of Las Vegas and Penn of Penn and Teller (you can see their faces everywhere around here) explained the theory behind why there will always be a Las Vegas. Vegas, he said, was entirely based on drawing people from around the world who are bad at math and since that’s a renewable resource there will always be a Las Vegas.

Oh, and did I tell you that I saw a man in the wee hours of this morning carrying his girlfriend piggy back into a hotel while his pants were falling down? That’s why there will always be a Vegas too.

Anyway, loved the sunshine, loved the temps, loved being able to walk outside without looking like the Michelin man. I called my mom this morning and found out its 5 below farenheit in Minnesota.

Sigh.

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, says that millions for contraception in the economic stimulus package will help save money by keeping the surplus population down.

For another alternative I suggest going here.

Everything. Your hard drive. Your information. Your writing. Your soul?

More support for the hypothesis that a moral crisis lies at the heart of our financial woes.